Pakistan reports sixth polio case of 2025

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Recent Polio Case in Pakistan
3. Surge in Polio Cases in 2025
4. National Anti-Polio Campaign
5. Security Concerns for Polio Workers
6. Polio Statistics and Regional Impact
7. Conclusion and Call to Action

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1. Introduction

In a concerning update, Pakistan has reported its sixth case of polio in 2025. This marks an unfortunate milestone as the country continues to battle the polio virus, despite ongoing vaccination efforts. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed that the latest case was detected in the Thatta district of Sindh, further increasing the province's tally to four polio infections for the year. This news follows the detection of two other cases just the day before, signaling an alarming rise in infections as health authorities intensify their efforts to eradicate the disease.

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2. Recent Polio Case in Pakistan

The new polio case emerged in Thatta, Sindh, a region that has been facing a significant number of polio cases in recent months. Just a day prior, two other polio cases were confirmed—one in the Qambar district of Sindh and another in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab. These developments have brought the total number of polio infections in Pakistan to six since the beginning of 2025, with Sindh accounting for the majority of these cases.

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3. Surge in Polio Cases in 2025

The rise in polio cases this year contrasts with the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. The increase in infections has raised concerns among health authorities, as the nation has been working tirelessly to vaccinate children under five through multiple campaigns. Pakistan has witnessed a steady decline in polio cases in previous years, but the recent surge highlights the ongoing challenges faced in eradicating the virus.

This recent uptick follows a pattern observed in some high-risk areas, where the polio virus continues to spread, despite extensive vaccination efforts.

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4. National Anti-Polio Campaign

In response to the rising number of polio cases, Pakistan has launched a series of nationwide vaccination campaigns. Earlier in February 2025, a weeklong anti-polio drive was conducted, with the goal of vaccinating 44.2 million children under five across the country. The campaign achieved impressive results, with 99% of the vaccination target reached. Over 45 million children received the essential polio vaccine, marking a significant step toward eliminating the disease.

Polio teams continue to work in high-risk areas, ensuring that as many children as possible are vaccinated. Despite the challenges, including logistical difficulties and opposition from some local groups, these campaigns are crucial in preventing further outbreaks.

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5. Security Concerns for Polio Workers

Polio workers in Pakistan face significant threats while carrying out their duties, particularly in high-risk regions. The security of polio vaccination teams is a matter of grave concern, as health workers and their security escorts have long been targeted in attacks. Since the 1990s, more than 200 polio workers and their guards have lost their lives while on duty. To protect these teams, security personnel are deployed during vaccination drives, and strict security measures are in place to ensure the safety of those involved.

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6. Polio Statistics and Regional Impact

The situation in 2024 was similarly concerning, with a total of 74 polio cases reported across Pakistan. The regions most affected included Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, which accounted for the highest number of cases. In Balochistan, 27 cases were reported, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 22, and Sindh had 23 cases. Punjab and Islamabad had fewer cases, each reporting only one.

Despite these challenges, the first national polio campaign of 2025 achieved significant success, vaccinating millions of children and raising awareness about the importance of immunization. Authorities have expressed optimism that these efforts will help reduce the spread of polio, but the need for continued vigilance remains critical.

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7. Conclusion and Call to Action

Polio continues to pose a serious public health threat in Pakistan, and recent outbreaks underscore the need for ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Health experts emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations for all children under the age of five, as polio remains preventable through the completion of the vaccination schedule.

The Pakistan Polio Program, along with the Expanded Program on Immunization, is dedicated to providing free vaccines and running vaccination campaigns. However, parents must also play an essential role in ensuring that their children receive the full course of immunization to protect them from this debilitating disease.

As Pakistan faces the challenge of controlling the spread of polio, public cooperation and awareness are more crucial than ever. Continued support for vaccination campaigns, along with greater security for health workers, will be key to achieving a polio-free future for the nation.